Senior Systems Engineer

Archangel Lightworks is a laser communications company founded in 2017. We develop technology for satellite-to-ground communications, including TERRA-M, a deployable optical ground station with proven space-to-ground data transfer capability. Our products support the security and resilience of critical national infrastructure and applications such as reducing the Digital Divide.

We value compassion, resilience, curiosity, ownership and integrity, offering a fast-paced, supportive start-up environment. Following an oversubscribed Series A funding round of over £10 million, we are supported by the UK Space Agency, DSIT and the UK Ministry of Defence.

About the job

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will lead the specification, design, integration and testing of optical ground stations and other products. Working with engineering teams, partners and customers, you will define system/subsystem requirements and architecture, ensure interoperability, and support deployment, operations and maintenance. You may also lead a small team, plan sprints and coordinate delivery.

Contract and permanent applicants are welcome.

Responsibilities

• Own systems/subsystems, lead specification and verification, and act as technical contact for external partners.
• Identify and resolve technical risks and issues; develop coherent requirements, designs, models and documentation.
• Plan and execute verification, qualification and operational demonstrations to internal/external standards, including interoperability.
• Maintain user manuals, interface control documents (ICDs), procedures and technical budgets.
• Where required, lead Agile sprint planning, day-to-day development, delivery and supplier/subcontractor coordination.
• Improve systems engineering processes, including model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and tools.
• Lead significant projects or major subsystems (e.g. satellite link or ground station integration), resolving ambiguous design challenges.
• Mentor engineers, influence technical decisions, communicate with leadership/stakeholders, and support deployment and operation.
• Keep up with emerging technology, drive innovation and generate/capture intellectual property.

Essential requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline, with strong theoretical knowledge.
• 5+ years' systems engineering experience with complex communications, electro-optical, electro-mechanical or embedded software systems.
• Practical hands-on ability to operate systems, run tests/demonstrations and diagnose problems.
• Knowledge of systems engineering standards, MBSE/SysML and tools such as Enterprise Architect.
• Full engineering lifecycle experience, from requirements and design through verification, validation, production and operations.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and engineering judgement skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and technical leadership across disciplines and external partners.

Desirable experience

• Satellite communications or optical ground stations; CCSDS, SDA or ESTOL standards; Gbps+ data rates, error correction, precision optics/lasers and pointing/tracking algorithms.
• Space flight system development to ECSS standards.
• Safety-related systems, risk assessments, functional safety lifecycles and IEC 61508.
• Security principles: encryption, authentication and secure data transfer.
• Control systems implementation/modelling, precision tracking, MATLAB/Simulink.
• Product qualification/certification, including CE/FCC and sector-specific standards.
• Cloud software integration, distributed systems, networking (TCP/IP, HTTP, MQTT) and data formats (JSON, Protobuf).
• Data visualisation, operational monitoring, Python analysis and automation.

Location

Osney Mead, Oxford. Home working may be possible by agreement with your line manager. Periodic business travel may be required.

What we offer

• Advanced optical systems work supporting a world-changing vision.
• Collaborative, transparent culture; regular socials and weekly company lunch.
• Specialist professional development and skills growth.
• Competitive salary and benefits, with equity options.
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.

Archangel Lightworks is an equal opportunity employer committed to a fair and consistent interview process. If you require assistance or accommodation during application or assessment, contact us through the application form.

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